Justin Taylor’s message: God’s Outrageous Love (Bethlehem Baptist Church)

Check out Justin Taylor's message here: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/01/22/gods-outrageous-love/

VBS: Big Apple Adventure-- Day Five

Friday, July 29th-- Pray that kids will have the courage to live out their faith and perform every action with love.

VBS: Big Apple Adventure-- Day Four

Thursday, July 28th-- Ask God to reveal opportunities for the kids to tell others what they are learning about Jesus.

Free Family Movie Night, Sunday July 31 @ 6:30

What if…, tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who fifteen years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher, in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé, and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church in fifteen years.

But God has other plans. While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he’s visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling. Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and daughters (including Disney Channel’s Debby Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.

Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy and God. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What if… is a story of finding your true purpose in life.


“This movie will raise all the right questions in both the young and the old…I found myself thinking through my own calling and the beautiful claim of God upon my life.” Ravi Zacharias, Ravi Zacharias Ministries

“5 out of 5 for family-friendliness. Inspiring.” Bob Waliszewski, Focus on the Family’s Plugged In

“What If… makes a profound impact. The story is powerful, the acting compelling, and the ending gripping. Entertaining? Yes, but more than that, it’s thought provoking in an easy and believable way.” James MacDonald, Pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel, Chicago

“What if…” dramatically and subtly addresses a critical issue in our culture – with a surprise ending!” -Dr. Gene A. Getz, President, Center for Church Renewal

“This faith-based movie will have you laughing and crying as you enjoy this magically entertaining story.” – Dick Rolfe, The Dove Foundation



•“A touching story of discovering where you belong.” – Dan Wermuth, Christian Movies Direct




•“This movie is a powerful reminder that God is with us even when we detour from the main road. Your family and friends will enjoy this movie, and I promise it’ll give you much to talk about.” - Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Moody Church, Chicago



•“I was totally engaged…the very clever story had a lot of power with a very great message.” – Charles Colson, Prison Fellowship

VBS: Big Apple Adventure-- Day Three

Wednesday, July 27th-- Pray for the kids who do not know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Ask that God will begin to reveal His plan for their lives in
His timing.

VBS: Big Apple Adventure-- Day Two

Tuesday: Ask God to help kids see that our natural response to Jesus’love should be to love Him.

VBS: Big Apple Adventure-- Day One

Monday, July 25th-- Pray that the 143 kids registered for VBS will have open hearts to hear the Word and connect what they hear with their actions. Pray for a smooth check-in and safety in the parking lots.

Know Your Position (Romans 6:1-4) Questions for discussion and reflection

Romans 6:4 reads, “Therefore, we have been buried with (Christ) through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Of this Scripture, John Piper observes, “One way that our death with Christ works newness of life now is by the effect this death has on our future… Believing this is utterly crucial in experiencing the present power of Christ's resurrection in your life. Believing that our future is gloriously secure and happy in Christ is one way that we experience the power of Christ now to free us from sin.” (desiringGod.org)

Discuss/reflect on Piper’s commentary. How does this belief (that the believer has been buried and raised with Christ) aid us in our sanctification and free us from sin? You can listen to John Piper’s message here.

How does water baptism illustrate a Christian’s experience of “newness of life”?

John 3:5—

Acts 2:38-39—

Ephesians 5:25-26—

Titus 3:5—

Theologically, “newness of life” refers to God’s work of regeneration in the believer. Specifically, what was Christ’s work that makes regeneration a reality? 1 Peter 1:3 and Ephesians 2:4-5.

What is God calling you to believe as a result of this study?

Family Sunday School July 31 thur August 28

This summer make Sunday School a Family eXperience! Starting Sunday, July 31st thru Sunday August 28th Family Sunday School will be in the Family Ministry Center from 10:00 to 10:45. Each week will feature Bibletoons from God Rocks, the children's ministry that presented at the Jersey Shore Will Graham Celebration followed by small group discussion in families. Bring your family and a Bible. Orange juice, coffee and a snack will be provided.

Acts 8:26 reports that “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip.” Compare the message given by the angel to Philip to other messages given by an angel in the book of Acts.

Acts 5:19—

Acts 10:3—

Acts 12:7—

Acts 27:23—

Compare also Judges 6:12 and 13:3.

Read Isaiah 56:3-8. Why is it significant that this Ethiopian official had gone to Jerusalem to worship?

Acts 8:32 and 33 are quoted from Isaiah 53:7-8. How specifically does this scripture point to Christ?

John 1:29, 36—

Matthew 26:63—

Philippians 2:3,7—

Based on Acts 2:41; 8:12, 13; 36-38, 9:18 and 22:16, how would you respond to the statement by a new Christian, “I want to wait until I grow more spiritually to be baptized”?

Baptism is the first step of obedience for the new Christian. Matthew 28:18-19– “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit...’” It is interesting to watch the reaction when one of my girls is being mischievous and I call her to stop what she is doing or is about to do and come to me. She weighs the consequences before making a decision on whether or not she will obey. Very rarely, if ever does she change her mind after taking the first step. The first step of obedience is always the hardest. I believe this is true as well in our relationship with Christ. Taking the first step does not guarantee future obedience, but it does put us in the right direction.

Perry Noble is an edgy pastor I heard for the first time a couple of years ago at a pastor's conference hosted by Thomas Road Baptist Church. While I may not endorse all this methods, on the topic of baptism I believe he’s dead on. If you've trusted Christ as your Savior and have yet to be baptized consider this challenge.

Baptism illustrates new life. The apostle Paul declares, "We were buried therefore with Him (Christ) by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). I love the picture that baptism illustrates. When Christ went into the tomb, positionally I went there with him and died to my old self. When Christ rose from the dead, I rose, too. This is the message that is proclaimed everytime a believer gets into the water to publicly declare his or her faith in Christ.

How long should a new Christian wait to be baptized? This Sunday we'll answer that question from Acts 8:26-40. Take a couple of minutes and listen to the answer John MacArthur gives to that question. Hint: My favorite qote from this clip is, "there is something I like about immediately."

FCA Power Camp July 18-21 at Mater Dei High School...

It's not too late to sign up!
Spots are available for this summer's FCA Power Camp held at Mater Dei High School. Power Camp is for kids 8-12 years old and begins next Monday, July 18th and runs thru Thursday July 21st. Camp kicks off each morning at 8:30 and ends at 4:00. The cost of the camp is $150. Call the FCA office at 732.219.5797 or email fcanj@aol.com for more information or to register. New Jersey's FCA website is www.fcanj.org.

2010 Camp Video from FCA on Vimeo.

Baptism illustrates repentance. While believer’s baptism is a sign given in the New Testament, it has its roots in washings prescribed by the Law as an act of confession and repentance in the Old Testament (Exodus 30:18-21). When John the baptizer arrived on the scene he came with the message of repentance, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Those baptized by John came “confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:6). The connection between baptism and repentance is why Peter responded to the conviction of the crowds in Acts 2 with the command, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Baptism illustrates that first repentance when a sinner turns from his sin to Christ. This is why there is so much joy when a fellow believer is baptized. Not only are we cheering here, but Jesus tells us there is rejoicing in the heavens, “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Francis Chan in the clip that follows does a good job at explaining the confession and repentance that baptism symbolizes. The act of baptism does not save (Titus 3:5), but the repentance and confession it illustrates does (Romans 10:9-10). Enjoy and be challenged.

Yesterday I spoke to the effect a believer's baptism has in bringing glory to God. This was the result when Simon, who presented himself as "someone great" (Acts 8:9) witnessed true greatness in God's glory (Acts 8:13). The gospel at it's core is the good news that though we are helpless to save ourselve, God has accomplished this through Christ. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that salvation is "not a result of works, so that no one may boast." In baptism we give testimony to the fact that we who were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1) have now been made alive through Christ (Romans 6:4-5).

I ended the message with this quote from John Piper, "Nobody would go to the Grand Canyon to increase your sense of self-esteem. Nobody stands on the edge of the Alps or the Rockies or the Grand Canyon in order to go there to feel better about ourselves. Do you know why you go there? Because you were written to be satisfied with splendor, not self. You were created and a law written on your heart to be infinitely, eternally, fully, joyfully satisfied in a grand splendor not a great self. I plead with you lay it down. Lay down your quest for the applause of men, the approval of men, and begin to get on a quest for the one thing that will satisfy your soul -- the splendor of Jesus Christ and all that God is for you in him. I just plead with you for your own soul's infinite happiness that you will stop pursuing it in the wrong place … We have an invincibly triumphant savior - Jesus Christ. Don't turn away from him to yourself. Don't want praise for you; give praise to him. Know him; he'll satisfy you.”

If you want to be blessed, check out this quote in the context of the message given by John Piper, entitled, "What is Love?" Enjoy!

Acts 8:4-25 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Read Acts 8:1-4. What was the result of the persecution that broke out against the church? How did God use this persecution for His glory and believer’s good? Compare Acts 1:8 with 8:5. What insight is gained as to God’s plan?

How is Philip identified in Acts 21:8? What can be learned about the call of an evangelist from Ephesians 4:11 and 2 Timothy 4:5?

Simon is initially identified as a magician or sorcerer. A magician in this context can be defined as one who performs or seeks spiritual or supernatural acts apart from God. To what is this kind of magic or sorcery compared to in Scripture? (1 Samuel 15:23; Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 13:6-9; 2 Kings 17:17; and Revelation 21:8)

Why, according to James 3:13-18, is spirituality apart from God offensive to God? (See also Romans 1:24-25)

What is the connection between baptism and repentance according to the following Scripture?

Matthew 3:1-11—

Mark 1:4—

Acts 2:38—

Acts 19:3-5—

While the Scriptures do not answer conclusively whether or not Simon was truly saved, Christians can learn from the posture he took after being rebuked by the apostle Peter in Acts 8:24. Read Revelation 2:5. What ongoing role should repentance play in the life of a Christian? In what areas of your life do you need to repent?

Keep Praying... Hem, France Outreach

Latest update from NMBC Mission Partner Christophe Savage: keep praying!Good stuff with kids - open to God.Indeed,
parents around to talk to... we are getting to see people we've met in the previous months. From Chrisophe—“God answers prayer, although rainy, like yesterday, it rained before the outreach but not during it! Lots of good stuff, kids opening up, conversations straight to the message. A few Turkish guys asked "where did you see that Jesus paid for us ?"

I replied, in the Bible, do you have one ?

No.

I’ll bring you one with a DVD too... Pray that God uses His Word to draw these men and many others to Himself.

Saturday we had a giant BBQ outreach yesterday gave out about 200 hotdogs to the people from the neighourood. the idea was to offer something free to the people and have an opportunity to talk about spiritual things. What an awesome view to see people sit at the tables with members from the team talking with them, listening to them and sharing Christ. Some people we have been seeing in the past month - either from the door to door we do every week or from the monthly kids club - came and it was just the time to strengthen the relationship and share more.

Pray for Hem Outreach

On Sunday we prayed for NMBC mission partner Christophe Savage who is hosting the Kid's Club and BBQ Outreach this week in Hem, France. On Monday 25 children took part in the club. As well, team members took to the streets sharing the gospel. On Tuesday most of the children returned and some brought along friends. The team was especially impacted by open and honest way the children talked about their spiritual interests and need.

Pray that God uses this honesty to lead these children and their families to repentance and faith in Jesus. Pray as well, that those who recieve invitations to the BBQ will attend and have open hearts to the message. (Ephesians 1:18)

Are We There Yet? Acts 7:1-50 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Stephen was accused of plotting to destroy the temple and “customs that Moses handed down” (Acts 6:14). Read Acts 7:1-50. What individuals and events does Stephen use for his defense? Why are these significant in light of the accusations made against Stephen?

Stephen begins his speech with an appeal to Abraham (Acts 7:2) and the covenant God established with him (Acts 7:3, 6-8). What insights do the following scriptures provide concerning this covenant?

Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 22:15-18—

2 Kings 13:23—

Psalm 105:6-11—

Acts 3:25—

Compare Stephen address to his hearers as “Brothers and fathers” in Acts 7:2 with Acts 7:13. What might Stephen be saying by appealing to the example of Joseph?

What point was Stephen making when he testified to his ancestors’ unwillingness of obey Moses? (Acts 7:39)

Since God does not need a “house” to dwell in (Acts 7:48-50), what was the purpose of the temple according to Jesus in Mark 11:17? (see also Isaiah 56:7)